Latvia Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European style two-pin plugs are in use.

Language

Latvian is the official language, but English, Lithuanian, Russian and German are also spoken.

Travel Health

No health certificates or vaccinations are required to enter
Latvia, but visitors are advised to have an inoculation against
tick-borne encephalitis if planning to hike in the country and
forests or stay in rural areas, especially during the summer months
of March to October. There was a outbreak of Hepatitis A in a
restaurant in Riga in May 2008 and travellers are recommended to
get vaccinated before travelling to Latvia. Rabies is endemic, and
outbreaks of meningitis occur. Medicines are usually available, but
it is best to bring a supply of personal medication. Health
insurance is necessary. A reciprocal agreement with the UK entitles
UK citizens to emergency treatment on the same terms as Latvian
nationals on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card
(EHIC).

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in restaurants, but it is customary to
round up the bill to no more than 10% if a service charge has not
been included and the service was good. Carry small change for
tipping taxi drivers. In hotels, tip according to the services
provided.

Safety Information

Most visits to Latvia are trouble-free, but street crime can be
a problem for tourists, and there are occasional muggings of
foreigners, particularly if walking alone or at night. Car theft is
rife. Reports indicate that foreigners are being charged
ridiculously expensive prices for drinks in bars in Riga, and
visitors are cautioned against becoming victims by checking on
prices before buying. Muggings are common of tourists out late at
night in the Old Town.

Local Customs

Latvians are generally reserved, quiet and extremely courteous,
and are not comfortable making small talk. Good manners dictates
that people are not embarrassed or criticised in public.

Business

Conducting business in Latvia can sometimes be a challenge due
to bureaucracy, as well as the lack of English spoken. Business
tends to be formal, with a clear-cut hierarchy, and titles are
usually used. Punctuality, directness and organisation are all
important. Suits and ties are the norm and when in doubt, dress
conservatively. Women might encounter some sexism and roles should
be clarified to avoid confusion. Business hours are usually from
9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Communications

The international dialling code for Latvia is +371. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
UK). City/area codes are in use; there are three for Riga: (0)3,
(0)28 and (0)29. International Direct Dialling is available from
all public and hotel phones. Public phones use phone cards, which
can be bought from numerous shops and kiosks. For local operator
assistance dial 116, and for international operator assistance dial
115. The two local GSM mobile phone operators use GSM 900 and GSM
1800 networks. Riga has an increasing number of internet cafes.

Duty Free

Travellers to Latvia over 17 years and arriving with goods
purchased in the EU for personal use do not have to pay duty on 800
cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1kg smoking tobacco; 10
litres of spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, 20 litres
of alcohol with alcohol content lower than 22%, 90 litres wine or
60 litres of sparkling wine, 110 litres of beer, and 110 litres of
non-alcoholic beverages. Travellers arriving from non-EU countries
do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50
cigars, or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol
volume higher than 22%, or 2 litres spirits, aperitifs, liqueur,
sparkling or still wines with alcohol volume less than 22% and 2
litres still wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette;
other goods for personal use to the value of €175. Prohibited
items include narcotics, guns, and fresh food products.

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